What network does Sprint use?
Sprint has two voice networks, and is contemplating a third network for their 4G offering. The first is their CDMA network, the second is Nextel’s former iDEN network. The CDMA network consists of 1900 MHz cdma2000 and 1xEV-DO coverage. The wireless infrastructure is deployed with a mix of vendor equipment, with Lucent being the largest. In decending order of use the other vendors include Nortel, Motorola, and Samsung. The iDEN network exclusivly uses equipment from Motorola, with coverage in both the lower 800 MHz SMR and 900 MHz frequencies. Sprint has plans to maintain the iDEN network past 2009, however has not indicated the future of the network in subsequent years. PCS Intel has published several reports concerning the future of the network. Sprint will begin a gradual of transition customers to the CDMA networks by releasing dual-network handsets that use both CDMA and iDEN. This transistion will begin in 2006 or 2007.
